Toy building systems including adjustable connector clips, building planks, and panels

ABSTRACT

Building sets including one or more blocks or planks and one or more connector clips configured to engage a thickness of the planks. Various types of planks, as well as various types of connecting clips may be provided, so as to provide open-ended building characteristics to users. Some connector clips may include a mating protrusion allowing the connector clip to be coupled to a hole or receptacle of another connector clip, or hub for connector clips, or into a hole of a plank. Such clips may be pivotable relative to the structure coupled to as a result of the mating protrusion connection. The building sets may provide proportional dimension characteristics between the planks and various connector clips, hubs, etc. One or more button connector clips may be provided with one or more panels, allowing panels to be integrated into the structural framework created with the connector clips and planks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/513,902 filed Jan. 6, 2015, entitled TOYCOUPLER; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/106,581 filedJan. 22, 2015, entitled TOY COUPLER; and U.S. Design Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/115,458 filed Feb. 12, 2015, entitled TOY BUILDING SYSTEMSINCLUDING ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR CLIPS, BUILDING PLANKS, AND PANELS. Thepresent application also incorporates by reference the entire disclosureof each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/546,912 filedOct. 13, 2011, entitled BUILDING SETS INCLUDING BLOCKS AND MAGNETICCOUPLING CLIPS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/594,850filed Feb. 3, 2012, entitled TOY COUPLERS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF BLOCKRETAINING CHANNELS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/612,383 filedSep. 12, 2012, entitled TOY COUPLERS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF BLOCKRETAINING CHANNELS, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,046.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to building sets, particularly toybuilding sets including a plurality of blocks or building planks to beindirectly coupled together through use of various couplers.

The Relevant Technology

Various building sets have been used by children and others for decadesfor amusement and learning. Sets of blocks include a plurality ofvariously configured blocks that allow a user to stack the blocks on topof one another in order to form various structures or buildings.Stacking configurations that can be achieved are often limited as aresult of gravity.

Such building systems are severely limited in their ability to buildrelatively realistic building structures such as those employing postand beam construction in which elongate blocks can be secured to oneanother in an erector like configuration, but in which connections canbe more easily achieved (e.g., by a child as young as 3, such as between3 and 8 years old, or from about 4 to about 8). For example, while someexisting building sets allow for erector like connection configurationsand mechanisms, the connectors and blocks, and posts or beams of suchsystems do not readily provide for open-ended, more creativeconnectivity, but are rather binary in their mechanism of connection.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect, the present invention is directed to a buildingset comprising one or more planks (e.g., rectangular), at least one ofwhich includes a first face, an opposing second face, a first side, anopposed second side, a first end, and an opposed second end, the atleast one plank including a thickness defined between opposed faces,opposed sides, or opposed ends. The building set may also include one ormore connector clips, at least one of the connector clips including aclip body and a plank engaging channel extending from the clip body. Thechannel of the clip may include a base disposed on the central body, thebase defining a floor. The channel may include first and secondsubstantially parallel extensions, each including interior surfaces, theextensions extending distally from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which the thickness defined between opposed faces of theplank is receivable, a width of the channel being substantially equal tothe thickness of the plank that is receivable within the channel so thatthe extensions pinch the thickness of the plank received within thechannel, frictionally coupling the connector clip to a plank receivedwithin the channel. The connector clip may further include a matingprotrusion also extending from the clip body, the mating protrusionbeing sized and shaped for receipt into a corresponding hole or recessof another connector clip, a hub that removably receives and retains oneor more connector clips, and/or a hole or recess through one of theplanks.

Another building set may include one or more planks, and one or morefirst connector clips. At least one of the connector clips may include aclip body and a plank engaging channel extending from the clip body. Thechannel of the clip may include base disposed on the central body, thebase defining a floor, and first and second substantially parallelextensions, each including interior surfaces. The extensions may extenddistally from the base and define a channel therebetween into which thethickness defined between opposed faces of the plank is receivable, sothat the thickness of the plank received within the channel is pinchedtherein. In an embodiment, one or more of the planks (e.g., rectangular)may include a hole formed through the thickness between the faces.

Any of the contemplated building sets may be proportional. For example,in an embodiment, at least one plank has a length that is a whole numberof units in length, and the connector clip includes two channelsdisposed on opposite sides of the connector clip, a distance from thefloor of one channel to the floor of the opposite channel being equal toone unit in length. In another example, the building set is proportionalso that at least one of the connector clips comprises a matingprotrusion also extending from the clip body opposite from the channelof the connector clip, the mating protrusion being sized and shaped forreceipt into the hole of the at least one plank and/or a similarly sizedhole of another connector clip, wherein the at least one plank has alength that is a whole number of units in length, and the connector clipincluding the mating protrusion includes a distance from the floor ofthe channel to the distal end of the mating protrusion being equal toone-half unit in length. For example, a unit may be approximately 2 and⅜ inches in length.

Any of the building sets may further include a button connector clipcomprising a mating protrusion extending from a button connector clipbody, the mating protrusion being sized and shaped for receipt into ahole of a plank and/or another connector clip, the button connector clipfurther comprising one or more channels formed into the button connectorclip body opposite from the mating protrusion of the button connectorclip. The one or more channels of the button connector clip body may benarrower than the channel of the first connector clip, so as to becapable of receiving and retaining a thickness of a panel that isthinner than the planks, rather than the one or more rectangular planks.Such a building set may further include one or more panels for retentionwithin the channels of the button connector clip.

The building sets may further include crayons, markers, other writinginstruments, stickers, decals, etc. that may be used to write on orotherwise decorate such panels. In an embodiment, the panels may beeasily erasable (e.g., dry erase or similar thereto), allowing the userto build a structure with the building set, and write on, color, orotherwise decorate the panels. Such writing, coloring, or decorating maybe erased when the building is disassembled, and the panels may beredecorated (e.g., differently) when another building is created. Whileerasable crayons, markers, pencils, or other instruments may bepreferred, permanent, non-erasable decorating is also possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above a more particular description of thedisclosure will be rendered by reference to specific examples that areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical examples and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting. The examples will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an exemplary clip configurationincluding multiple channels;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view through the clip of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a close up plan view of a channel of the clip of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D shows a plan view of the clip of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various ways in which a block or plank may bereceived and retained within a channel of the clip of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate alternative clip connectors including two andthree channels, respectively;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary hub including two portions that arehingedly rotatable relative to one another, each hub portion including areceptacle for reception of a corresponding connector clip, so that theconnector clips may be rotated relative to one another once coupled intothe hub;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary connector clip for use with a hub suchas that of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B illustrates another exemplary connector clip;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another exemplary hub, showing connection androtation of connector clips within receptacles of the hub to variousorientations;

FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate another exemplary hub, similar to that of FIGS.4A-4C, which may include two receptacles that can be rotated relative toone another;

FIGS. 7 A-7D illustrate various other exemplary connector clips (e.g.,interchangeable with that of FIG. 5) that may be coupled within areceptacle or hole of a hub or connector clip;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate another connector clip, including two channelsthat may be pivoted relative to one another;

FIGS. 8C-8D illustrate exemplary hinged hubs that may be included withincontemplated building sets;

FIG. 9A illustrates a plurality of proportional length planks that maybe included within the present building systems;

FIG. 9B illustrates a plurality of proportional length planks similar tothose of FIG. 9A, but somewhat differently configured;

FIG. 9C illustrates an exemplary flexible plank;

FIG. 10 illustrates a “button” clip for use in securing panels to astructure formed from blocks or planks and connector clips;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary panel that may be secured to astructure formed from blocks or planks and the connector clips;

FIG. 12 illustrates how the button clip and panels may be secured to oneanother;

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate proportional building characteristics of anembodiment of the present building sets;

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate proportional building characteristics of anembodiment of the present building sets;

FIG. 18 illustrates additional proportional building characteristics ofan embodiment of the present building sets;

FIG. 19 illustrates components of an exemplary building set employed inthe construction of a structure; and

FIG. 20 is a photograph showing an example of how exemplary buildingsets may be used in construction of a structure.

Together with the following description, the figures demonstratenon-limiting features of exemplary devices and methods. The samereference numerals in different drawings represent similar, though notnecessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Basic Building Systems

The present invention is directed to building sets including a pluralityof blocks or planks (used interchangeably herein) and a plurality ofconnector clips configured to frictionally engage one or more of theblocks or planks. The connector clips facilitate coupling of variousblocks (e.g., elongate “post” and “beam” type blocks) together (with aconnector clip in between) in various configurations not possible whenstacking blocks alone (e.g., arches, bridges, trusses, eaves, girders,posts, beams, and other structures and buildings). Because theconnection between the block and clip is friction based, and is notbinary (i.e., only connecting in one manner) in its mechanism, a highdegree of freedom is available in placement of the connector clips.

FIGS. 1A-ID show various views of an exemplary clip configuration 100that includes at least one channel 102. Clip 102 may include multiplechannels 102 that allows clip 100 to engage one or more blockssimultaneously.

Connector clip 100 includes a central body 104 and a plurality ofchannels 102 disposed so as to extend from central body 104. Althoughfour channels are illustrated, it will be understood that more or fewerchannels may be provided (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.). FIGS. 3A and 3B showclips including 2 and 3 channels, respectively. While each channel 102is illustrated as being configured with equal width, and spaced apartfrom one another at equal angles, it will be understood that one or moreof the channels may have a different width or spacing than another ofthe channels. In addition, while all channels are shown to be orientedin a particular orientation, it will be understood that one or more ofthe channels may be differently oriented (e.g., transverse to anotherchannel, otherwise angled relative thereto, etc.).

For simplicity connector clip 100 may also simply be referred to as clip100. Each channel 102 of clip 100 is shown as including a base 106disposed on central body 104. Each base 106 defines an interior floorsurface 108 of each channel 102. The sides of each channel 102 arebounded by extensions 110 and 112, which may be substantially parallelto each other. As described above, a thickness defined between opposedfaces, sides, or ends of one or more blocks is receivable within any ofchannels 102. The width of channel 102 is substantially equal to thethickness of the corresponding block that is retainably engaged within agiven channel.

As seen in FIGS. 1A-IB, a centrally disposed cylindrical hole 114 may beprovided within central body 104. Hole 114 may be open at both ends(e.g., as a tunnel). In another embodiment, one end, or a center of thehole may be closed. Such may be provided relative to any of thecontemplated holes 114. A cylindrically configured block may be insertedwithin hole 114. For example, an axle for a wheeled vehicle may beinserted through illustrated hole 114. Various other connector clips orother accessories may similarly be provided in this way. For example,FIGS. 16-17 and FIG. 18 show how another connector clip (e.g.,differently shaped than the clips of FIGS. 1A-3B, referred to by theinventor as “a pivotable hand”), itself including a channel 102, may becoupled into hole 114.

Central body 104 and channels 102 may advantageously be configured toprovide independence between the plurality of included channels. Forexample, insertion of a block into one channel does not substantiallyinterfere with the ability of another channel of the clip 100 to retaina block with substantially the same retention force that would beprovided if only a single channel had a block received therein. In anembodiment, at least some of the clips may be generally rigid to ensureindependence between adjacent channels. Polycarbonate is an exemplarysuitable rigid material for forming such clips. Additional details ofthe clip 100 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,046, alreadyincorporated by reference.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a few ways in which the clip 100 may be used toretain one or more blocks within any of the channels 102. As seen, theconnection mechanism is open-ended, rather than binary in nature, sothat the block 115 may be coupled in a nearly infinite number of waysand orientations, allowing the builder much more flexibility in buildingthan available with many existing connection mechanisms. For example, ablock 115 may be fully seated within the channel 102 (FIG. 2A), it mayonly be partially inserted (FIG. 2C), it may be slid within the channel,so that part of the block is slid out of the channel (FIG. 2D), it maybe rotated to an angle, relative to the channel (FIG. 2B), and multipleblocks may be inserted and retained within the same channel (FIG. 2D).It will be apparent that only partial insertion of the thickness of theblock into the channel towards the base defining an interior floorsurface of the channel is typically needed to retain the block in thechannel (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), and that a plurality of blocks may bereceived within the same respective channel at the same time (FIG. 2Dand even 2B—which includes unoccupied channel space that could acceptanother block). The block can be rotated within the channel to form avariety of desired angles between the floor of the channel and a side orend of the block inserted into the channel (FIG. 2B). Photographic FIGS.31-40 included in the priority provisional application show additionalfeatures of the open-ended nature of the connection mechanism betweenthe channel of the connector clip and one or more blocks or planks. FIG.35 shows as many as 4 blocks or planks retained within a single channel(2 on each side). Further description of this open-ended nature is foundin the prosecution history of U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,046, also hereinincorporated by reference.

In an embodiment, the channels may be smooth—e.g., devoid of anyprotrusions formed thereon. In an embodiment as shown in the drawings,the interior surface of the channels may be formed of only planar (i.e.,no curved) surfaces.

Such connectivity between a block and a channel is not binary—either“snapped” into a corresponding receptacle or not. Because the system isnot binary, this allows the building set to provide unique and differentbuilding characteristics such as partial or full engagement, ability torotate the block to any angle relative to the floor of the connectionchannel, the ability to connect the block into the channel at anylocation along the length or ends of the block (i.e., “connectanywhere”), the ability to place multiple clips onto a length of theblock, and the ability to retain multiple blocks into a single channel,etc. The following describes additional connector clips that are similarto connector clip 100 in that they also include one or more channels102, providing the same open-ended connectivity between the clips andthe channels. These additional connector clips further includeadditional connectivity features, as will be explained.

II. Pivoting/Rotatable Connector Hubs and Clips

In addition to the basic toy building set that includes one or moreconnector clips and one or more blocks as described above, additionalconnectivity and complexity may be provided, while preserving theopen-ended play and connectivity benefits through pivotable hand clipconnectors, e.g., a connector clip including one or more channels asdescribed herein, but which connector permits rotation or pivoting ofthe channel. For example, such connector clips may include a hinge orball joint. This allows rotation of the channel about an axis, while theconnector clip is engaged or retained relative to another component ofthe building set (e.g., a block, another clip, etc.).

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a hub to which one or more connector clipsincluding channel(s) may be connected, allowing for rotation of oneportion of the hub relative to the other portion. This allows a builderto select a desired angle between two connector clips (and theirchannels) that are each coupled to the hub. Hub 200 includes twoportions 202 and 204, each with a receptacle 206 into which a connectorclip including a corresponding protrusion may be inserted. An exemplaryconnector clip is shown in FIG. 5A, and another in FIG. 5B. Hub portion202 may include a shaft 208 over which corresponding sleeve 210 ofportion 204 is placed, coupling the hub portions 202 and 204 together.Such a hub allows receptacles 206 to be rotated relatively to oneanother about the longitudinal axis of shaft 208. Instead of such acylindrical shaft, it will be appreciated that a ball joint could beprovided, allowing rotation of the two hub portions about one another ina latitudinal direction as well (i.e., allowing free movement in twoplanes at the same time, including rotating in those planes).Receptacles or recesses 206 may be shaped and sized so as to have adiameter equal to hole 114 of connector 100, so that a connector clip iscompatible for use with both. The terms receptacle and recess may beused interchangeably relative to such structures of a hub.

FIG. 5A illustrates a connector clip 250, including a channel 102 forconnectivity with a block or plank as described herein relative toconnector 100. A mating protrusion 252 (e.g., a pin, split horizontally,vertically, or otherwise) may be provided, also extending from body 254of the connector clip, for insertion and retention into hole 114 orreceptacle 206 of another connector (e.g., 100) or hub (e.g., 200),respectively. Where hole 114 or receptacle 206 and the protrusion 252are both cylindrical, clip 250 may be rotated within the hole orreceptacle to any desired position, orienting channel 102 as desired. Ofcourse, placement of a hinge or ball joint between such a connector(e.g., 100) or hub and clip 250 would allow further freedom in orientingchannel 102.

FIG. 5B illustrates a similar connector clip 250 a including a channel02, and a mating protrusion 252. Clip 250 a is similar to clip 250, butsomewhat shorter in length (it is missing the tunnel between channelfloor 108 and hole 214′, providing different proportionalitycharacteristics, as will be explained in further detail herein.

Another exemplary hub (a sort of rectangular or square hub including 4faces plus top and bottom faces) is shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. Although thereceptacles 206 are shown as being polygonal (e.g., 8 sides, 6 sides,etc.), it will be appreciated that they may alternatively be formed soas to be circular in cross-section (i.e., cylindrical). Even with apolygonal receptacle, as seen in FIG. 6B, cylindrical protrusions 252may be received and retained upon insertion into the receptacle. Holes114 of hub 200 may similarly be polygonal, or circular in cross-section,and may similarly serve to receive a mating protrusion of a connectorclip, as do receptacles 206. In another embodiment, protrusions may beformed to include a polygonal cross-section, so as to mate shape wiserelative to the receptacle (e.g., both protrusions and receptacles beingoctagons of corresponding size, etc.). Such a mechanism would preventrotation of the clip within the receptacle, and allow its orientation toonly one of the given 8 (or 6 or however many sided polygon is used)rotated, indexed orientations. Circular cross section in at least one ofthe mating structures provides infinite variability in orientation, andthe ability to rotate the connector clip while inserted into thereceptacle.

FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate another hub, similar to that of FIG. 4A, whichallows a mating protrusion 252 to be inserted into receptacle 206 (e.g.,either polygonal or circular). FIG. 6D shows the two portions of hub200′ rotated to a different angle between the two receptacles 206 (e.g.,about 90° versus perhaps about 120°)

FIGS. 6A-6B also illustrate an alternative connector clip configuration250′ usable with any of the hubs. A mixture of different connector clipconfigurations (e.g., 250 and 250′ could of course be connected to asingle hub. Various alternative exemplary connector clips for use with ahub or other connector clip (e.g., clip 100) are shown in FIGS. 7 A-7D,as well as FIGS. 5A-5B, already described. Each includes a channel 102(e.g., for reception and retention of a block or plank) and a matingprotrusion to be received within a receptacle of a hub, or similarlyshaped and sized hole or tunnel of a connector, such as connector 100.It will be apparent that various other configured connector clipsincluding a channel and mating protrusion could be used (e.g., evenincluding an angle other than 180° (e.g., 90°, 60°, 45°, 30°, etc.between the mating protrusion and channel).

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate another configuration of a connector clip 300,which includes two portions that are hingedly connected to one another.A hole 114 is provided (e.g., a tunnel that may pass entirely throughboth portions), into which a mating protrusion of another connector clip(e.g., any of those of FIG. 5A-5B, 6A-6B, or 7A-7D) may be received.Each portion is further shown as including a channel 102, which channels102 may be rotated relative to one another (compare the angles betweenthe channels in FIGS. 8A and 8B), which channels may receive and retaina block or plank.

Such pivoting or rotatable connectors and/or hubs allow a builder to putthe channel of a given connector clip in orientations and/or positionsthat is not possible with the basic building system. For example, thebuilder can twist the channel to be oriented in a desired orientation toas to be able to receive a plank or block. Such components furtherincrease the possibilities of open ended play possible with the buildingsets, creating many possibilities for the builder. Such a connector clip300 does not necessarily include a receptacle or mating protrusion, butalready incorporates a plurality of channels (e.g., two) in a rotatablearrangement relative to one another.

FIGS. 8C-8D illustrate another hinged hub for use with connector clips300 a or 300 b that may be included with the present building systems.For example, any of the described hinged and/or rotatable hubs orconnector clip structures provide for numerous ways for a builder tosolve a length and/or angle connectivity problem (e.g., to connectbetween two already existing structures having a given position andgeometry). Such a hub may take the form of a 2-way or 3-way elbow (oreven a 4-way elbow). FIG. 8C shows a 2-way elbow 300 a, although it willbe appreciated that two receptacles may be provided on one side of thehinged elbow hub, providing a 3-way elbow, as shown in FIG. 8D. Each ofthe arms of the elbow may include a receptacle 306 into which a matingprotrusion 252 of any clip (e.g., clip 250) may be inserted.

III. Planks with Holes and/or Male-Female End or Side Connectivity

FIG. 9A shows exemplary planks 215 and 215′. Plank 215 may be similarlysized relative to planks 115 (e.g., see FIGS. 2A-2D), but are shown asincluding mechanisms allowing additional connectivity of other planks orother components with the plank. For example, plank 215 may include oneor more holes 114 having the same diameter as other holes 114 shown withrespect to other components of the building system, so as to allowreception and retention therein of any of the mating protrusions (e.g.,252). It will be apparent that protrusion 252 may be rotated within hole114, so that the connector including protrusion 252 may be rotated toany desired angle within hole 114. As shown in FIG. 9A, holes 114 may becentrally disposed (e.g., aligned with a central longitudinal axis ofplank 215), equally spaced from the opposing sides 220 and 222 of plank215. In a plank 215 as seen, one hole 114 may be disposed at the centerof plank 215, with another two holes 114 disposed on either sidethereof, equally spaced apart relative to one another.

Plank 215 may include one or more dovetail or other protrusions 224 atone end thereof, and one or more dovetail or other recesses 226, at theopposite end. Dovetail protrusions 224 and recesses 226 are aligned withone another, so that if another plank 215 were placed end to endrelative to illustrated plank 215, the recesses 226 or one plank wouldmate with the protrusions 224 of the other plank. Although illustratedwith dovetail protrusions and recesses that correspond and mate with oneanother (i.e., the protrusion fits within and fills the correspondingrecess), it will be appreciated that other complementary,correspondingly shaped protrusions and recesses (i.e., male-femaleconnections) may alternatively be employed. The opposite face of eachplank 215 and 215′ may appear identical to the illustrated face. Inaddition, while shown including protrusions and recesses for connectingthe planks end-to-end, it will be appreciated that such male-femaleconnecting structures may be provided on the sides (e.g., 220, 222, or220′, or 222′), allowing two planks to be connected side-by-side.

Plank 215′ is shown as shorter in length than plank 215. In anembodiment, two of planks 215′ coupled together may be equal in lengthto plank 215. Such proportional building characteristics providedistinct building advantages, as will be further described below. Plank215′ is shown as similarly including dovetail protrusions 224 anddovetail recesses 226. A single hole 114 is shown provided, centrallydisposed within plank 215′, central relative to both sides 220′ and222′, as well as centrally disposed along the length of plank 215′.

In an embodiment, when two planks 215′ are coupled together (to equalthe length of plank 215), the two holes 114 of planks 215′ may bealigned (with respect to the length of plank 215 and the end-to-end twoplanks 215′) with one another, so that one could run a cylinder, axle,or similar through aligned holes 114 of plank 215 and the compositeplank formed of two planks 215′. It will be apparent that in such anembodiment of plank 215′, hole 114 would not be disposed centrallyrelative to the length of the plank, i.e., it would be closer torecesses 226 than protrusions 224. The corresponding plank that would becoupled thereto would include a hole that is similarly closer toprotrusions 224 than recesses 226, so that a composite plank equal inlength to plank 215 (formed of two half-length planks 215′) wouldinclude two holes 114, aligned with outer holes 114 of plank 215.

While shown with protrusions 224 and recesses 226, it will beappreciated that in another embodiment, no such connecting protrusionsor recesses may be provided (e.g., but still with holes 114).

Such planks may similarly be coupled into any channel 102 of any of theconnector clips. Those connector clips including a cylindricalprotrusion 252 may similarly be received within any of holes 114. Such aconnector clip (e.g., connector clip 250 of FIG. 5) could be rotatedwithin any of holes 114 of a desired plank, to orient channel 102 at anydesired angle, so as to be coupleable to another plank.

FIG. 9B shows planks 215 a (two units in length) 215 a′ (one unit inlength) and 215 b (3 units in length), similar to planks 215 and 215′,but without mating protrusions and recesses, and having a differentinternal rib pattern. It will be apparent that various internal ribpatterns (or no such ribs) are possible. An internal rib pattern may beparticularly preferred where the planks are not formed from wood, butfrom a plastic material. Such ribbed patterns conserve the plasticmaterial (i.e., less material employed to form a given plank).

In an embodiment, the planks or blocks may be rigid. For example, whereformed by wood, the blocks and planks may be rigid. While shown in flatconfigurations, curved (rigid curved, or flexible curved) configurationsare also possible. Where formed from other materials, the planks may berelatively more flexible. For example, flexible planks may be used tocreate congruent or parallel rails for ball runs, marble runs, tracksfor vehicles, etc. Such planks may extend through any desired pathway,remaining an equal distance apart from one another (i.e., similar torailroad tracks, to be parallel, or in other words congruently aligned asame distance from one another across the pathway).

Planks formed from materials other than wood may be flexible as a resultof the material selection, and or geometry of the plank. In order toincrease flexibility, planks (e.g., planks 315 b, 315 a, and 315 a′) maybe formed to be relatively thinner at the plank's center portion,thickening towards the ends, as shown in FIG. 9C. While shown withoutmale-female connections, it will be appreciated that any such may beprovided, e.g., as described herein (e.g., with any of the planks shownherein). Suitable plastic materials for plank formation may includevarious polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (e.g.,HDPE), as well as silicone and/or urethane flexible and/or elastomericmaterials. Silicones and urethanes may be relatively more flexible thanthe basic inexpensive polyolefins, such as PP and PE. The flexibility ofplanks made from such materials may be adjusted by thinning portions ofthe plank cross-section. In an embodiment, the outer edges (sides 220,222, and the ends) may remain of the desired thickness (e.g., 8 mm) tobe engaged within channels 102, even while the center interior portionsof such planks may be thinned for increased flexibility.

IV. Proportionality Characteristics of Building Set

The connector clips (e.g., connector clip 100 including channels 102spaced 90° apart, the insertable “pivotable hand” of Figure SA, etc.)may be configured with specific proportional characteristics relative toone another, and relative to the planks or blocks. For a proportionalbuilding system, the half-length plank (e.g., plank 215′, 215 a′) may bebased on a length of about 2⅜ inches in length. This length could bereferred to as a “unit”. For example, planks may be provided in lengthsof one unit, two units, three units, etc. Connector clip 100 of FIGS.1A-ID may be configured with a distance from one floor 108 of a givenchannel 102 to the floor 108 of the opposite channel 102 (i.e., channelsthat are 180° apart from one another) that is half the length of thehalf-length plank (i.e., half of 2⅜ inches—or half a “unit”). Thisproportional dimension is clearly referenced as distance 117 in FigureID. As a result, if a builder has two connector clips 100 with ahalf-length (i.e., 1 unit) plank 215′ or 215 a′ disposed therebetween(seen in FIG. 13), the length of the resulting connected structure fromthe floor 108 of one clip to the opposite floor 108 of the other clip is4 6/8 inches, equal to the length of a full length plank 215 (or block115), i.e., two “units”. As a result, a full length plank or block (215or 115) 4 6/8 inches in length can fit across (and fully span) thehalf-length plank or block 115′ plus the applicable length of the twoconnector clips exactly, allowing another plank or block to be engagedin the far side channels of both connector clips, as seen in FIG. 13.Such could be used as bridge planking, as shown in FIG. 14. This allowsfor outer beams and walls to be built, while just fitting a plank 2⅜inches (one “unit”) longer between the vertical beams or blocks 115. Ofcourse, it will be appreciated that the proportionality features of thebuilding system may be based on a different actual length for one “unit”(i.e., other than 2⅜ inches equal to one “unit). The length of theplanks may vary somewhat, although they should be consistent one withanother (e.g., 4⅝ inches in length for a two “unit” plank—a unit may becloser to 2 5/16 inches). All values described herein based on a givenvalue for a “unit” may readily be scaled by one of skill in the art toanother length for a “unit”.

If the length of a plank is increased by 2⅜ inches (i.e., by one“unit”), thereby using a 4 6/8 inch long plank (i.e., a two “unit”plank) and a 7⅛ inch plank (a three “unit” plank), the same buildingpattern can be achieved, because the connection distance from the floorof one channel to the floor of the opposite channel makes up thedifference between the two “unit” and three “unit” planks (115 and 115b, respectively). This is shown in FIGS. 14-15. Thus, according to oneembodiment, the planks are proportional to the connector clip in that aplank “unit” length (e.g., a half-length plank) is equal to two timesthe distance floor to floor (117 in Figure ID) between oppositelydisposed channels. Thus, two connectors in an end-to-end in linestructure (as seen in FIGS. 13-15) would include a total connectorlength between the floors of the connectors (on either end of theconnected structure) that is equal to half the length of a two “unit”plank (or equal to a length of a one “unit” plank, i.e., 2⅜ inches).

FIGS. 16-17 show planks in a vertical orientation, illustrating anotherfeature of such proportional building systems. The same principalapplies, but with a different purpose. A typical building pattern is toput a plank (e.g., 115 b) vertically half-way into the connector channel102 (i.e., fully seated but only half of the length of the channel beingoccupied as shown in FIG. 16). The plank may be placed half-way into twoconnectors 100, one at top and one at bottom. This half-way insertionallows the builder to then build up and then either up (or out) againfrom the same connector (as half of the channel of the top and bottomconnector clips is empty, and could accommodate another plank).

Using the one “unit” (e.g., 2⅜ inch) amount, split in half such thatthis distance spans halfway into the channel, and then up to a floorwhere a plank one “unit” (e.g., 2⅜ inches) long is seated, then repeatedon the upper end, we get a distance that matches a plank that is one“unit” (2⅜ inches) longer (these could be any length as long as they areone “unit” longer than one another) put half way into the channel 102.This means that the shorter plank (e.g., plank 115 in FIG. 16) plus twopivotable hands 250 (e.g., the connector clip of Figure SA) spans thesame distance as the next longer (by one “unit”) plank (plank 115 b) puthalf-way into the channel of the clip. In FIG. 16, this is shown with atwo “unit” plank 115, and a three “unit” plank 115 b. FIG. 17 shows thiswith a one “unit” plank 115′ and a two “unit” plank 115. These can besubstitute and/or complements for each other. One is a center post andsymmetric and balanced in itself, and the other is an outer beam whichyou need two of to accomplish the same thing. In addition, rotatable andangled connections are possible with the pivotable hand connector clipof Figure SA (i.e., plank 115′ (FIG. 17) or plank 115 (FIG. 16) may berotated anywhere along the full 360° with clips 250 within holes 114 ofclips 100.

For example, this proportional relationship is shown in FIG. 16including vertically oriented planks, where one plank (plank 115 b) isthree “units” long (i.e., 4 6/8+2⅜ inches), while the other plank (plank115) is two “units” in length (4 6/8 inches). A pivotable hand connectorclip 250 is connected to the shorter plank 115 using its channel 102,while the protrusion 252 is mated into hole 114 of a connector clip 100.This structure is mirrored at the opposite end of the two “unit” lengthplank 115. The extra long plank 115 b (3 “units”) just spans thedistance so as to occupy only half the length of the channel 102 (at topand bottom of the overall structure) of top and bottom connector clips100.

The proportionality of the pivotable hand connector clip 250 may be suchthat its length 217 from floor 108 to the distal end of matingprotrusion 252 is equal to one half of a “unit”. Stated another way, thelength from floor 108 to the center R of the D-shaped hole 214 (i.e.,the center end of the radius R defining the interior surface of hole214) may be one quarter of a “unit”. Furthermore, the depth of connectorclip 100 (i.e., the length of any given channel 102) may be two timesthe length of mating protrusion 252, so that when mating protrusion 252(about 10 mm in length) is inserted into hole 114 of connector clip 100,it occupies half the length of tunnel or hole 114 (i.e., anotherpivotable hand connector clip 250 could be similarly inserted into theopposite side of tunnel or hole 114 of connector clip 100. The plankthickness may be such that when protrusion 252 is inserted in a hole 114of a plank, it occupies substantially all the length of such a hole 114.Any of the other illustrated connector clips may include similarproportional features as described herein.

The clips 250 a shown in FIG. 5B may provide different proportionalitycharacteristics, as they are shorter in length, and distance 217′ isless than distance 217 of Figure SA. FIG. 18 illustrates a stair-likestructure, illustrating such proportionality. Here, two times thedistance 219′ from floor 108 to the base of protrusion 252 plus thelength of a given plank (e.g., a two unit plank) is equal to thedistance from the center of the star connector 100 to the center of thenext star connector 100, with a given plank of identical length (e.g.,two unit) fully seated within the channels 102 of each connector 100.Stated another way, the distance from floor 108 to a center ofprotrusion 252 (which protrusion is approximately equal in length to thethickness of plank 215 a) on connector 250 a may be equal to thedistance from floor 108 to the center of hole 114 of connector 100(which center of hole 114 is aligned with the center of plank 215 a inthe lateral downward channel 102, through which protrusion 252 isengaged (i.e., in hole 114 of plank 215 a). Under either scenario, as aresult, as seen in FIG. 18, a two “unit” plank 215 a, the ends of whichare engaged into channels 102 of respective clips 250 a just spans thedistance between parallel two unit length planks 215 a, with protrusions252 of clips 250 a received into holes 114 of planks 215 a. In otherwords, the length of the plank 215 a and the two distances 219′,provided by the two clips 250 a spans the distance from center to centerof connectors 100, with two unit plank 215 disposed therebetween. Such aproportional building structure is shown as forming a stair-likestructure. Other uses for the proportionality are of course alsopossible.

V. Buttons and Panels

In an embodiment, the internal width of the channels (and the thicknessof the planks or blocks) is about 8 mm (0.32 inch). FIG. 10 shows aconnector clip (referred to informally by the inventor as a button) 400including a protrusion 252 similarly sized and shaped as protrusion 252of clip 250 of Figure SA, which can be lockingly inserted (i.e.,retained) in hole 114, or any of receptacles 206, of any of thecomponents (e.g., a hole 114 of any of the planks of FIG. 9A-9B, a hole114 of a connector 100, etc.). Button clip 400 further includes one ormore channels 402. Channels 402 may be configured to be smaller in widththan channels 102 (e.g., of clip 100). For example, channels 102 of clip100 (and other channels referenced as channels 102) may have a width ofabout 8 mm, while channels 402 of button clip 400 may be about 4 mm inwidth. In other embodiments, the width of channels 402 could be greater(e.g., even equal to or greater than the width of channels 102).

FIG. 11 shows a panel 500 for use with button clip 400, while FIG. 12shows two panels 500 engaged with button clip 400 (e.g., one of panels500 is in channel 402, the other is in recess 404). As shown, a panel500 may be inserted into channel 402 to approximately the center ofbutton clip 400, retaining the panel in place. Channels 402 areillustrated as extending vertically (e.g. in the same longitudinal butopposite direction (i.e., up) as protrusion 252, while a corner 502 ofthe other panel 500 (e.g., a horizontal panel) may be inserted intorecess 404, vertically above the floor 408 of channel 502, alsovertically above the distal end of protrusion 252. In this way, thevertical panels 500 may play the role of walls, while the horizontalpanel may be a floor. It will be appreciated that the button may beflipped sideways, or upside down, so that the reference to vertical,horizontal, etc. is only relative to the orientation shown. FIG. 19shows a structure including button connector clips 400, panels 500, andseveral of the other building set components described herein. As seenin FIG. 19, the button connector clips 400 may be connected into thehole 114 of a connector clip 100. FIG. 19 also illustrates the narrowerwidth of channels 402 relative to channels 102.

FIG. 19 shows various building configurations that may be achieved byplacement of the protrusion 252 of button clip 400 into the central hole114 of a connector clip 100, and then placing panels 500 into one ormore of channels 402. Channel 402 may provide the same open endedfunctionality as described above relative to channels 102 (e.g., seeFIGS. 2A-2D), allowing the builder open ended freedom and creativity inhow to engage one or more panels into channels 402.

While panels 500 are shown positioned generally flush with a corner inbutton connector clips 400, this is not required, so that variousconnectivity of the panel in the button clip 400 is possible, similar toas described relative to planks or blocks in channels 102.

The panels 500 may themselves also be proportional to the other buildingcomponents. For example, in an embodiment, one or more of the panels maybe square, or rectangular, with length and width dimensions that arewhole number multiples of a “unit”, plus the distance from the floor 108of one channel connector 100 to the floor of the opposite channelconnector 100. This allows the panel 500 to span the distance from onebutton 400 to the next button 400, each in hole 114 of connector 100,with a proportional unit plank between connectors 100. For example, inFIG. 19, panels 500 are shown as square with a length and widthdimension equal to a three “unit” plank (e.g., about 7⅛ inches), plusthe distance from the floor 108 of one channel of connector 100 to thefloor of the opposite channel of the same connector. The photographs ofthe provisional application shows panels 500 as square with a length andwidth dimension equal to a two “unit” plank (e.g., about 4 and 6/8inches). One of these photographs illustrating how the building systemsmay be employed is shown as FIG. 20. In any case, this allows for thestructures shown, where the panel length or width spans from the centerof one connector to the center of the other connector (with a plankdisposed between the two connectors, as seen). Of course, panels couldalso be so provided based on a one “unit” length plank, or other “unit”length plank, plus the applicable connector clip distance, etc. In somebuilding set embodiments, panels of varying sizes may be provided (e.g.,based on one, two, and/or three “unit” planks).

As seen in FIG. 11, the corners 502 of each panel may be notched,facilitating insertion of protrusion 252 of a button clip 400 into ahole 114 of connector clip 100, with panel 500 serving as a floor,sandwiched or pinched between the upper portion of button clip 400 andconnector clip 100. This arrangement is also shown in FIG. 19. Forexample, the corner 502 surrounding the notched out portion may bereceived within recess 404.

The button clips 400 may engage the panels 500 anywhere along the lengthor width of the panel (e.g., it does not have to be near the panelcorner), similar to how channels 102 may engage a block or plankanywhere along the length, or width of a plank or block. Suchflexibility in engagement is shown in the Figures, and will be apparentin light of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the buttons may berotated within connector clip 100 hole 114 (or other hole or receptacle)to any desired orientation. The result of this is that the channel 402of button clip 400 does not have to be perpendicular or parallel alignedwith channels 102 of connector clips 100. For example, panels (e.g.,wall panels) may be oriented at other than 90° relative to one another,so that rooms built with such panels and buttons do not have to havewalls oriented at 90° to one another. Any angle is possible, as button400 can be infinitely rotated within hole 114. In addition, while shownwith channels 402 intersecting at 90° relative to each other, it will beapparent that other angled orientations of channels 402 are possible(e.g., 2 channels 180° apart, 3 channels at 120° apart, other numbers ofchannels equally spaced, or channels at unequally spaced intervals).While the floors of channels 402 are shown as flat, it will beappreciated that they could alternatively include an incline, ifdesired. Such a configuration would force the panel inserted therein toalso be inclined.

The various connectors and planks may thus provide structural support tothe building erected by the user, while the panels add a façade orfinished appearance, with the button clips providing a mechanism forindirect attachment of the panels to the planks and connector clips. Asthe panels may provide a finishing touch to a toy structure, in anembodiment, the panels may be transparent or translucent. They may beformed of a plastic material exhibiting static cling properties, so thatstatic cling window decals may be adhered (through static electricadhesion) to the panels, and removed or replaced, as desired. In anotherembodiment, the panels may be formed to include a whiteboard typeerasable surface, so that they could be decorated using erasablewhiteboard markers, and erased when desired, to be redecorateddifferently. Transparent panels may also be erasably decoratable usingwhiteboard markers, crayons, other markers, etc. In an embodiment, thepanels may also be opaque (e.g., a filler may be included in the plasticresin used to form them). They may be formed from any of the plasticmaterials described herein (e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene,polycarbonate, etc.)

An exemplary building set may include such markers, crayons (e.g., ofany various colors, or multiple colors) for use in decorating the panels500. Such writing instruments may include any colors, such as red,green, blue, orange, yellow, white, black, brown, purple, etc. Paints orother coloring or writing tools may similarly be provided. In anembodiment, stickers or decals (e.g., static clink decals) may beprovided, pre colored or decorated, or with line drawings, which theuser may place onto panels 500, and then color or decorate. Such linedrawings or finished decorations could also be printed or otherwiseprovided directly and permanently on panels 500, although theremovability of decals provides an added benefit in the ability toreplace one with another, etc. In any case, it will be apparent that thebuilding set allows a user to free form draw, color, or decorate, e.g.,directly on the panels themselves, to color, draw, or decorate on decalsor stickers that can be attached (e.g., removably) to the panels.Preferably the provided crayons, markers or other writing or coloringdecorating tools are erasable, although permanent inks, colors, etc. mayalso be provided. Such building sets provide the ability for the user toemploy mathematical, geometric, and related critical thinking skills inengineering and building a structure, while at the same time employingartistic skills in decorating the structure built, particularly thepanels.

It will be appreciated that any of the disclosed components may be usedwith any other of the disclosed components, e.g., in various ways notspecifically described herein, but will be apparent to one of skill inthe art in light of the present disclosure.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended toinclude that value, and also other values that are about orapproximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the presentdisclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadlyenough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the statedvalue to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. Thestated values include at least the variation to be expected in asuitable manufacturing process, and may include values that are within10%, within 5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value. Furthermore, theterms “substantially”, “about” or “approximately” as used hereinrepresents an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term“substantially” “about” or “approximately” may refer to an amount thatis within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of, a stated amount orvalue.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building set, comprising: one or more planks,at least one of which includes a first face, an opposing second face, afirst side, an opposed second side, a first end, and an opposed secondend, the at least one plank including a thickness defined betweenopposed faces, opposed sides, or opposed ends; one or more connectorclips, at least one of the connector clips including a clip body and aplank engaging channel, the channel of the clip including: a basedefining a floor; first and second substantially parallel extensions,each including interior surfaces, the extensions extending distally fromthe base and defining a channel therebetween into which the thicknessdefined between opposed faces of the plank is receivable, a width of thechannel being substantially equal to the thickness of the plank that isreceivable within the channel so that the extensions pinch the thicknessof the plank received within the channel, frictionally coupling theconnector clip to a plank received within the channel; and a matingprotrusion extending from the clip body, the mating protrusion beingsized and shaped for receipt into a corresponding hole or recess ofanother connector clip, a plank, or a hub that removably receives andretains one or more connector clips.
 2. The building set of claim 1,wherein the connector clip includes a single channel and a single matingprotrusion, each extending from an opposite side of the clip body. 3.The building set of claim 1, wherein the mating protrusion iscylindrical, allowing continuous selective rotation of the matingprotrusion within the corresponding hole or recess of another connectorclip, a plank, or a hub.
 4. The building set of claim 3, wherein thecylindrical mating protrusion is split.
 5. The building set of claim 1,wherein the at least one plank includes a hole formed through thethickness thereof, the hole being configured to retainingly receivetherein the mating protrusion of the connector clip.
 6. The building setof claim 1, wherein the building set is proportional so that the atleast one plank has a length that is a whole number of units in length,and the connector clip includes two channels disposed on different sidesof the connector clip, a distance from the floor of one channel to acenter of the connector clip, and from the center of the connector clipto the floor of the other channel being equal to one-half unit inlength.
 7. The building set of claim 1, wherein the building set isproportional so that the mating protrusion of the one or more connectorclips is sized and shaped for receipt into a hole of the one or moreplanks and/or a similarly sized hole of another connector clip, whereinthe at least one plank has a length that is a whole number of units inlength, and the connector clip including the mating protrusion includesa distance from the floor of the channel to a center of the matingprotrusion that is equal to a distance from a floor of a channel to acenter of a second connector clip that includes two channels disposed ondifferent sides thereof.
 8. The building set of claim 7, wherein alength of the mating protrusion of the one or more connector clipsincluding the mating protrusion is equal in length to the thickness ofthe plank.
 9. The building set of claim 1, further comprising a buttonconnector clip comprising a mating protrusion extending from a buttonconnector clip body, the mating protrusion being sized and shaped forreceipt into a hole of a plank and/or another connector clip, the buttonconnector clip further comprising one or more channels formed into thebutton connector clip body opposite from the mating protrusion of thebutton connector clip.
 10. The building set of claim 9, wherein the oneor more channels of the button connector clip body are narrower than thechannel of the first connector clip, so as to be capable of receivingand retaining a thickness of a panel that is thinner than the planks,rather than the one or more rectangular planks.
 11. The building set ofclaim 10, further comprising one or more panels for retention within thechannels of the button connector clip.
 12. A building set, comprising:one or more planks, at least one of which includes a first face, anopposing second face, a first side, an opposed second side, a first end,and an opposed second end, the at least one plank including a thicknessdefined between opposed faces, opposed sides, or opposed ends; one ormore first connector clips, at least one of the connector clipsincluding a clip body and a plank engaging channel, the channel of theclip including: a base defining a floor; first and second substantiallyparallel extensions, each including interior surfaces, the extensionsextending distally from the base and defining a channel therebetweeninto which the thickness defined between opposed faces of the plank isreceivable, a width of the channel being substantially equal to thethickness of the plank that is receivable within the channel so that theextensions pinch the thickness of the plank received within the channel,frictionally coupling the connector clip to a plank received within thechannel; and wherein the at least one plank includes a hole formedthrough the thickness between the faces; and wherein at least one of thefirst connector clips comprises a mating protrusion extending from theclip body, the mating protrusion being sized and shaped for receipt intothe hole of the at least one plank.
 13. The building set of claim 12,wherein the building set is proportional so that the at least one plankhas a length that is a whole number of units in length, and theconnector clip includes two channels disposed on different sides of theconnector clip, a distance from the floor of one channel to the floor ofthe other channel, through a center of the connector clip, being equalto one-half unit in length.
 14. The building set of claim 12, whereinthe building set is proportional in a way that at least one of the firstconnector clips comprises a mating protrusion extending from the clipbody opposite from the channel of the connector clip, the matingprotrusion being sized and shaped for receipt into the hole of the atleast one plank and/or a similarly sized hole of another connector clip,wherein the at least one plank has a length that is a whole number ofunits in length, and the connector clip including the mating protrusionincludes a distance from the floor of the channel to a center of themating protrusion being equal to a distance from a floor to a center ofa second connector clip that includes two channels disposed on differentsides thereof.
 15. The building set of claim 14, wherein a length of themating protrusion of the first connector clip is equal in length to thethickness of the plank.
 16. The building set of claim 12, furthercomprising a button connector clip comprising a mating protrusionextending from a button connector clip body, the mating protrusion beingsized and shaped for receipt into a hole of a plank and/or anotherconnector clip, the button connector clip further comprising one or morechannels formed into the button connector clip body opposite from themating protrusion of the button connector clip.
 17. The building set ofclaim 16, wherein the one or more channels of the button connector clipbody are narrower than the channel of the first connector clip, so as tobe capable of receiving and retaining a thickness of a panel that isthinner than the planks, rather than the one or more rectangular planks.18. The building set of claim 17, further comprising one or more panelsfor retention within the channels of the button connector clip.
 19. Abuilding set, comprising: one or more planks, at least one of whichincludes a first face, an opposing second face, a first side, an opposedsecond side, a first end, and an opposed second end, the at least oneplank including a thickness defined between opposed faces, opposedsides, or opposed ends; one or more first connector clips, at least oneof the connector clips including a clip body and a plank engagingchannel, the channel of the clip including: a base defining a floor;first and second substantially parallel extensions, each includinginterior surfaces, the extensions extending distally from the base anddefining a channel therebetween into which the thickness defined betweenopposed faces of the plank is receivable, a width of the channel beingsubstantially equal to the thickness of the plank that is receivablewithin the channel so that the extensions pinch the thickness of theplank received within the channel, frictionally coupling the connectorclip to a plank received within the channel; and wherein the at leastone plank includes a hole formed through the thickness between thefaces; and further comprising a button connector clip comprising amating protrusion extending from a button connector clip body, themating protrusion being sized and shaped for receipt into a hole of aplank and/or another connector clip, the button connector clip furthercomprising one or more channels formed into the button connector clipbody opposite from the mating protrusion of the button connector clip.20. The building set of claim 19, wherein the one or more channels ofthe button connector clip body are narrower than the channel of thefirst connector clip, so as to be capable of receiving and retaining athickness of a panel that is thinner than the planks, rather than theone or more rectangular planks.
 21. The building set of claim 20,further comprising one or more panels for retention within the channelsof the button connector clip.